sustainable self

I like to write about expanding our views of what we can influence and be a part of...the flourishing of farmers, garment workers, our planet...grand reimaginings...new discoveries...transformation...hope. But also...all of us have stories and pain and loss and longing and uncertainty. I'm just sitting here with mine for a while...and I'm feeling...how can we do the work of zero-waste, sustainability, the fairdare, environmental activism, standing in solidarity with our fellow human without having a sustainable self? 

I don't have any real answers in this or any other category really. I only ever want to organize my thoughts + offer them up to anyone else who might find a kernel of value that might spark or play with their own thoughts.

Something I've noticed recently is that self-talk is so important. There is a voice inside my head and I need to be aware of what it is saying...to talk back to it...to train it. Cultivating my inner world is of great importance. What we consider over and over and over again...it matters (for better or worse). It may not save us, but it just might sink us.

Self-talk guides the way we "see". I'm reading through my journal from the past year + I recognize thoughts that I've been having...ways of thinking that are now part of me. The situations I find myself in sit inside the world view I've intentionally cultivated. My worldview has deep roots in love, compassion, hope + doing hard things. It values feeling my feelings, whatever they are + knowing there is time for them to change + change again. It knows that there is beauty in me + in the world...even still. 

A few things I've been noticing + trying to keep in mind:

• It's helpful to ask often: Who do I want to be? What do I want my life to look like? How can I move in that direction? Set intention. Take small steps, big steps...just move.
• What we read matters. When something catches the eye (or ear) or a sentence catches the breath, stop. Read it again. Write it down. Write more words about what it makes you feel + think. Absorb. Process. Contemplate.
• What we give our attention to matters. Websites. Shows. Podcasts. People. Choose with intention. 
• We can choose good things + enjoy them, while trying to keep them in perspective. Keep where your worth comes from in check. Use good things as tools- don't let them start using you.
• We can create training programs for our minds. What thought patterns do I want to change? How can I work on retraining my brain?

Input matters.

My desire is for your health + thriving. As always, these are just my thoughts + not a substitute for professional mental health care. Please be kind to yourself + ask for help, if you think it might be helpful. ​

Much love to you, my friends, wherever you find yourself today,
You are worthy. You are important. You matter.
Jane